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Employment, learning and skillsRural Development
The rural East Midlands
Did you know that the East Midlands is the third most rural region in England?
Almost 30% of the East Midlands population live in a rural area (defined by Defra as communities of less than 10,000 people). This is 10% higher than the England average, which is nearer 20%. The rural population in the East Midlands is growing faster than in any other region, and faster than in urban areas, with 88% of the region’s land area being classed as rural.
In 2008 emda published a rural evidence base highlighting the distinctive nature of rural economies and communities in the East Midlands. This can be found at www.intelligenceeastmidlands.org.uk
How emda works on rural development
emda recognises that rural areas are a very important part of our region, and work to ensure that rural needs and circumstances are taken into account in every aspect of emda’s activity. Rather than being treated separately, rural activity is ‘mainstreamed’. This means that all parts of emda have a responsibility to ‘think rural’, and all policies and programmes can operate equally effectively in both urban and rural areas.
emda believes that the ‘rural economy’ is not separate or different from, but an integral part of our total regional economy. Consequently we’re working to make sure that Business Link services, for both start-ups and for established businesses, reach rurally-based clients in all sectors, including farming. While some businesses are very dependent on the land or on their rural location, almost any type of business can be found in a rural or village location, or in the many market towns which play such a key role across our wide rural areas.
We also have responsibility for the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), a European programme worth £60m in the East Midlands over six years.
Further information, including contact details for the RDPE team can be found on www.emda.org.uk/rdpe
emda has been a member of the East Midlands Rural Charter since its inception in 2003, as a demonstration of our strong commitment to ‘thinking rural’.
Who emda works with
The East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (EMRAF) is a key partnership, feeding the views and concerns of rural communities and businesses into regional and national Government and ensuring that the region’s rural voice is heard.
EMRAF also plays a key role in co-ordinating and overseeing the development and delivery of the East Midlands Rural Action Plan (RAP), which is currently being reviewed. As a core partner, emda is charged with leading and reporting back on the implementation of the economic priorities within the Rural Action Plan, which will take a higher profile in the refreshed RAP.
emda has a long-standing and supportive relationship with EMRAF, and emda’s rural lead Board Member currently serves as its Vice Chair.
Full details about EMRAF and its operation can be found on www.ruralaffairs.org.uk
Current news & recent projects
Working positively with rural estates
This report, recently published by emda, aims to understand the contribution that rural estates make to the economy, environment and social fabric of the East Midlands, to help achieve the Rrgional Economic Strategy strategic priorities. It also aims to identify the number and nature of estates in the region. The summary and full report are available at www.emda.org.uk/ruralestates
School of Artisan Food
emda awarded a grant of £890,000 in December 2008 for the conversion of a grade 2 listed building on the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire into a School of Artisan Food. The building will provide education and training in artisan food production, management and business development skills, accredited by the University of Derby. The school will have close links with local schools and colleges and will be the only higher education facility in North Nottinghamshire. The school will be unique in promoting sustainability using local produce, maintaining regional food cultures and identities and improving diets as well as training in traditional techniques.
The school will open for short courses in September 2009. The foundation degree course is currently being developed and will be available in 2010.
www.schoolofartisanfood.org
Live & Work Rural
This programme is a three year initiative to support businesses and communities using the unique Peak District environment as an asset. It is managed by the Peak District National Park Authority and funded by a range of partners including emda and the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.
To find out more: